This paper examines the relative health status of Londoners in the light of the current attention being given to the provision of health care in London. It has three aims: to compare the health of residents of London with that of people in comparable areas elsewhere; to investigate the factors associated with health; to discuss the findings and some of their implications for future health and health care policy. It was prepared to inform the work of the King's Fund Commission on the Future of Acute Services in London. It is being published in advance of the Commission's Strategy for London in order to inform debate about the future of health care in the capital, but should not be interpreted as anticipating the recommendations of the Commission's final report.